SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare formally conveys heartfelt and sincere condolences to the Government and People of Japan for the untimely passing of the former Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency the Hon. Shinzo Abe.
In his Official letter to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida early this week, Mr Sogavare said former Prime Minister Abe was a prominent leader not only in his own country but also in the international fora.
“It is with deepest sympathy and regret that I write on behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands to express and convey our most profound and sincere condolences for the untimely passing of the former Prime Minister of Japan, His Excellency the Hon. Shinzo Abe” Sogavare said.
He added that former Prime Minister Abe will be remembered for his global contributions as well as for his contributions in the Pacific Islands region through the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) and at the bilateral level.
“Solomon Islands benefited greatly from successive governments of Japan and we recognize and appreciate the stepping up of our bilateral relations and programs during Prime Minister Abe’s tenure in office. For these we will always be forever grateful and indebted for his great kindness and the kindness of the government and people of Japan,” Sogavare said.
Sogavare further said that Former Prime Minister Abe’s legacy will live on saying “the Pacific region had not only lost a friend. It had also lost a strong advocate and a champion for the priorities of our small countries and territories,”.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the late Prime Minister’s family, the government and the people of Japan,” Sogavare concluded.
Meanwhile, Acting Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga signed the condolence book in honor of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Embassy of Japan in Honiara Tuesday this week, in the absence of Prime Minister Sogavare.
